A Bit More About Me...

Hello!  My name is Nicole S. Maldonado. I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. I am a first-generation American, Jordanian gal who has enjoyed growing up in one of the largest melting pots of The United States of America. I've been gifted my last name from my wonderful husband of seven years. Estoy aprendiendo español, sé paciente. 

 

My journey at VAAS began as a Special Education Assistant in Spring 2015. I have learned tremendously by working hands-on, in the various divisions of the Special Education Department offered on campus at VAAS: Resource, Special Day Class, Moderate-Severe (ID), and Low Incidence Learning Center for the Visually Impaired and Blind. 

 

I attended Los Angeles Valley College, where I worked on my undergraduate coursework and obtained my AA degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. That is where I discovered my love for working with diverse groups of people. Simultaneously, I worked on campus in Allied Health Sciences; Nursing Department. I gained a new perspective and got to experience a behind-the-scenes look at community college functions. I one day hope to return to that community college as a transition counselor for students with learning differences and disabilities or a professor. 

 

• I attended California State University, Northridge from 2011-2013; graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. 

• I've earned my Education Specialist Credential concentration: Mild-Moderate Disabilities in 2019. 

• Currently, I am continuing my education at California State University, Northridge for my Master's of Science Degree in Special Education. 

I am excited to be teaching in person at VAAS for the 2021-2022 school year. Please reach out to me via email or google voice # if you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions as to how I can make your child's learning experience even better! 

 

Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, Cooking, Baking, Gardening, Plant Propagation, Writing, Continuing to learn Spanish, a good sweat (Gym),  The Office or Watching/Reading Harry Potter, learning about new advances in health/nutrition/medicine, learning about new reading strategies, mentoring youth, and serving my local community with Shepherd Church in Porter Ranch.